News update: Manchester SWP attack rebuffed
Ed | 04.09.2002 02:42
News update:
Manchester SWP attack rebuffed
In a clear attempt to exact vengeance for the embarrassment caused by two of their members crossing the M&S picket line in Manchester, four SWP stewards attacked an FRFI stall at the Love Music - Hate Racism festival the following day. Claiming that the location of the stall breached City Council regulations for the hire of the Platt Field venue, the stewards pounced on the stall with an aggressiveness that made the City Licencing Officers and their police accomplices seem like models of polite consideration. They grabbed books, leaflets and newspapers as they stripped the stall of its contents, shouting that unless FRFI members immediately removed the tables they would do it themselves. People passing by stopped in astonishment at the SWP's attack. When they learned that the stall was in support of Palestine and Cuba, they joined in the protest against the four who were completely beyond reason.
Unable to move FRFI supporters or others in the crowd away, the SWPers had to endure constant questioning of their motives. They were completely unable to offer a coherent explanation of their actions as they continued to reject any compromise, discussion or deal to resolve what was at the start a very simple situation. In particular they could not reply to the constant challenge that this was a response to the events of the previous day when two of their members had been exposed for crossing an M&S picket line. As time went on, however, it was evident they would have to back down as indignant festival participants contacted the carnival organisers. After 15-20 minutes stand-off, a call came through to one of the stewards, Pete Hicks, whose partner had been one of the two who broke the M&S picket line. FRFI could have a stall provided it was moved to the reserved area. Sectarian stupidity had lost.
FRFI would like to thank all those who stood with us against the vindictiveness of Manchester SWP.
Isolate the Zionist state!
Boycott Israeli goods!
Boycott Marks and Spencer!
Victory to the Intifada
Manchester SWP attack rebuffed
In a clear attempt to exact vengeance for the embarrassment caused by two of their members crossing the M&S picket line in Manchester, four SWP stewards attacked an FRFI stall at the Love Music - Hate Racism festival the following day. Claiming that the location of the stall breached City Council regulations for the hire of the Platt Field venue, the stewards pounced on the stall with an aggressiveness that made the City Licencing Officers and their police accomplices seem like models of polite consideration. They grabbed books, leaflets and newspapers as they stripped the stall of its contents, shouting that unless FRFI members immediately removed the tables they would do it themselves. People passing by stopped in astonishment at the SWP's attack. When they learned that the stall was in support of Palestine and Cuba, they joined in the protest against the four who were completely beyond reason.
Unable to move FRFI supporters or others in the crowd away, the SWPers had to endure constant questioning of their motives. They were completely unable to offer a coherent explanation of their actions as they continued to reject any compromise, discussion or deal to resolve what was at the start a very simple situation. In particular they could not reply to the constant challenge that this was a response to the events of the previous day when two of their members had been exposed for crossing an M&S picket line. As time went on, however, it was evident they would have to back down as indignant festival participants contacted the carnival organisers. After 15-20 minutes stand-off, a call came through to one of the stewards, Pete Hicks, whose partner had been one of the two who broke the M&S picket line. FRFI could have a stall provided it was moved to the reserved area. Sectarian stupidity had lost.
FRFI would like to thank all those who stood with us against the vindictiveness of Manchester SWP.
Isolate the Zionist state!
Boycott Israeli goods!
Boycott Marks and Spencer!
Victory to the Intifada
Ed
Homepage:
http://www.revolutionarycommunist.com
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